WASHINGTON, D.C. – After ongoing social media exchanges and speculation about their potential fight, it seems that the much-anticipated matchup between Cris Cyborg and Kayla Harrison will not be happening next.
Despite the recent merger of the PFL and Bellator, leading to speculation about the Cyborg vs. Harrison fight finally becoming a reality, it appears that the PFL has other plans for these fighters for the time being.
Announcing their decision after the 2023 PFL Championship, PFL founder Donn Davis revealed that it will be the 2023 PFL women’s featherweight champion Larissa Pacheco facing Bellator featherweight titleholder Cyborg.
“It’s champ vs. champ,” Davis told reporters. “Larissa has earned that. But will Cris then fight Kayla in 2024? One-hundred percent. That is going to happen. Cris will have two fights in 2024, Kayla will have two fights in 2024, and one of those will be Cris against Kayla. We think that Larissa has earned that.
Once again, you have to see champ vs. champ. Cris is the champ of Bellator. Larissa is the champ here. We have to see that fight happen first. Coming out of that, you’ll see Cris Cyborg vs. Kayla Harrison as the next fight in 2024.”
If Cyborg vs. Pacheco is next, that leaves Harrison without an opponent for her first fight in 2024. Davis guarantees Harrison will face a quality opponent.
“We will develop a plan for her in the meantime,” Davis said. “Kayla has earned the right to fight the best, and we’ll make sure that she’s happy, and she has really, really good fights.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2023 PFL Championship.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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